Press Trust of India
Ipoh, April 6: Sloppy defending cost India dearly as they conceded a late goal to go down 1-2 against a higher-ranked New Zealand in their second league match of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here Monday.
Despite enjoying better possession and ball control, India paid the price for letting their guard down when put under pressure and succumbed to their first loss. For New Zealand, it was their second straight victory in the six-nation tournament.
New Zealand took the lead in the 38th minute through a field goal from skipper Simon Child. India fought back immediately as Akashdeep Singh restored parity in the 43rd minute. But Andy Hayward (55th) converted a late penalty corner to deny India a point.
Contrary to the final outcome, the Indians looked far more organised than their tournament-opener against Korea here Sunday. However, it was New Zealand who had the first shy at the goal in the fourth minute but Hugo Inglis missed an open chance as he shot wide with only India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh to beat.
New Zealand finally managed to break the deadlock in the 38th minute when Child deflected in a pass from a goalmouth melee. India drew level after VR Raghunath’s initial try from their second penalty corner was saved by Devon Manchester and Akashdeep pounced on it to equalise from close range. The Indian defence conceded a costly penalty corner in the 55th minute, which was gleefully converted by Hayward.
